Government eyes expanded regulation of funeral industry

WASHINGTON {AP} Willie and Juanita Roach's final resting place was purchased more than 40 years ago at a local cemetery where they are to be buried in the same plot.

But on a recent visit to the cemetery to place flowers on a relative's grave, the couple were surprised to learn they owed an extra $5,000 for their plot. What's more, they were told they had to buy an expensive vault if they still wanted to be buried there.

"We have entertained cremation even though we've already got a marker down," says an exasperated Mrs. Roach of Westminster, S.C. Adding confusion to the matter: Willie Roach's mother personally knew the cemetery owner when she bought the burial site in 1956. The site these days is owned by a national chain.

The advent of casket stores, customers' access to Internet sales of coffins and keen competition in the cemetery and funeral industries have prompted the government to consider expanding a 15-year-old rule governing funerals. Public comments on the matter were due Wednesday at the Federal Trade Commission.

Consumer advocates say rampant consolidation in the industry and more aggressive selling tactics warrant further regulation.

"We have cemeteries telling people they have to buy a marker or vault from them" to be buried on the grounds, says Lisa Carlson, executive director of the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America. "That kind of manipulative stuff should be outlawed."

Cemetery owners disagree. Historically, cemeteries sell their goods and services before a death, says Robert Fells, general counsel for the International Cemetery and Funeral Association. Because of that, cemeteries must make all price information available.

The funeral rule currently requires funeral homes to disclose prices for goods and services and prohibits them from forcing consumers to buy bundles of services. Funeral directors also cannot misrepresent local cemetery requirements, such as telling people they must have a body embalmed.